Jun 19 Kai | 中華そば つけ麺 甲斐

Style: Tokyo Style ShoyuBowl to Crush: Tsukemen | つけめん

Kai has been a respected outpost on the Tokyo ramen scene since its launch in 2007. The master works from a simple kitchen with space for just one chef. The ramen is humble and straightforward – no bold or colorful flavors at work here. The soup is a simple shoyu with subtle hits of fish and gyokai. Both ramen and tsukemen are available. Choose your toppings. The master makes the noodles from scratch. At just 650 yen (about $6), what meal could be more satisfying at this price point?

The terrain Kai is working is essentially Japanese comfort food, and it's beloved by the many local salarymen who stop in on their way home from work. A tiny TV, usually tuned to the news, sits atop the ticket machine. Kai is a great place to eat and unwind after a long day or a drinking session, and it's just a one-minute walk from Kugayama train station.